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clear but hit the ball off the United player and Dow gleefully fired into the back of the net.

That should have been that as far as McNamara’s side were concerned but Caley gave themselves a lifeline in the 81st minute — and what a goal it was.

There seemed little danger when sub Liam Polworth collected the ball all of 30 yards out but he lashed an unstoppable drive into the top corner of Cierzniak’s net to ensure there would be a tense ending to the game for the home support.

With the clock ticking down, those nerves were jangling once again when Shinnie flighted a ball in to McKay, whose diving header was sent just wide.

However, United held on to keep their fine run going. — 5,784.

– Cierzniak, Wilson, Gunning, Dillon, Robertson, Paton, Rankin, Gauld (Mackay-Steven 69), Armstrong (Gomis 88), Dow, Ciftci (Graham77). Subs not used – McCallum, Souttar, El Alagui, Watson.

Inverness – Brill, Raven, Shinnie, Vincent, Warren, Meekings, McKay, Draper (Ross 87), Foran (Polworth 65), Watkins (Christie 79), Tansey. Subs not used — Esson, Devine, Williams, Evans.

Referee — Euan Norris. CELTIC CLINCHED the Scottish Premiership title for the third successive season with an emphatic 5-1 win over Partick Thistle at Firhill last night.

Anthony Stokes headed the visitors into the lead in the third minute before 17-year-old substitute Liam Henderson, on for right-back Adam Matthews at the start of the second-half, opened his Celtic account in the 49th minute with a low drive from 12 yards.

Norwegian midfielder Stefan Johansen added a third goal in the 53rd minute to confirm the superiority of Neil Lennon’s side, who responded to losing a late goal to Jags substitute Christie Elliott by scoring two through Stokes and Kris Commons.

The Hoops have lost only once in the league this season — against Aberdeen at Pittodrie — with three games drawn and, with seven matches remaining, they can reach a record 105 points, which will be Lennon’s target.

Thistle continue in their battle to stay away from the relegation play-off spot and may well succeed but the night belonged to the Hoops, who captured the top flight title at the earliest date in the calendar since 1928/29, when Rangers won it on March 16.

Few who made their way to Firhill would have bet against the Parkhead side taking care of business.

The Jags’ last win over Celtic came in May 1995 and that record did not look like being altered when, amid a whirlwind start by the

Picture: SNS Group. Ryan Dow, left, is congratulated by team-mate John Rankin after adding United’s second goal of the game.

SNS Group. Liam Henderson celebrates his first goal for the club as he helps Celtic on the way to the title.